Introducing the Float Therapy Medicine Institute: Evidence-Based Integration of Floatation-REST into Clinical Practice

A Resource for Healthcare Practitioners Seeking Non-Pharmacological Treatment Options

The Gap We're Addressing

As healthcare practitioners, we face an increasingly complex challenge: patients with chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and stress-related conditions who need effective, safe alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions. While the research literature contains over six decades of evidence supporting Floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy), most physicians remain unaware of this treatment modality.

The Float Therapy Medicine Institute exists to change that.

What is Floatation-REST?

Floatation-REST involves lying supine in a quiet, lightless tank filled with water saturated with Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). The high salt concentration creates effortless buoyancy, while the water is heated to skin temperature (approximately 93.5°F). Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes.

This environment systematically minimizes external sensory input—visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive signals—allowing the nervous system to achieve a profound state of relaxation without requiring meditation training or other learned techniques.

Clinical Evidence: Which Conditions Show the Strongest Results?

Pain Management (Highest Level of Evidence)

Floatation-REST demonstrates the most robust evidence for musculoskeletal pain conditions:

• Chronic muscle tension pain: Multiple randomized controlled trials show significant reductions in pain intensity, with effects maintained at 4-month follow-up

• Fibromyalgia: The 2012 Fibromyalgia Flotation Project studied 81 patients across multiple international centers, finding significant reductions in pain (33% reduction by third session), muscle tension, stress, and anxiety, with improvements in sleep quality, energy, and ease of movement

• Back and neck pain: Swedish research at Karlstad University documented substantial pain relief in patients with stress-related muscle tension pain

• Rheumatoid arthritis: Studies show improved range of motion, grip strength, and decreased pain both within and across sessions

• Whiplash-associated disorders: Case studies indicate positive effects, though longer treatment periods may be needed

Key Finding: A 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open found that five sessions of flotation therapy significantly reduced both pain intensity and the number of affected body areas.

Anxiety Disorders (Strong Evidence)

Research consistently demonstrates rapid anxiolytic effects across the anxiety spectrum:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A randomized controlled pilot trial of 50 participants showed significant symptom reduction after 12 sessions, maintained at 6-month follow-up

• Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder: Transdiagnostic research shows clear signs of short-term benefit after single sessions

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emerging evidence suggests substantial symptom relief, with veterans reporting decreased anxiety, hypervigilance, and improved sleep

• Anxiety with comorbid depression: Studies show benefits comparable to or exceeding standard treatments

Notable Research: Dr. Justin Feinstein's work at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research demonstrated that patients across the anxiety spectrum experienced significant decreases in anxiety and muscle tension, with increases in serenity and relaxation—effects that were more pronounced than control interventions.

Stress-Related Conditions (Well-Established)

• Occupational burnout: Swedish government-sponsored research involving 140 patients found that more than 75% experienced noticeable improvements

• Stress-related pain: Multiple studies show sustained benefits for patients with chronic stress-induced muscle tension

• Hypertension: Research demonstrates clinically significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure

• Cortisol dysregulation: Studies document 22% reductions in stress hormone levels

Athletic Recovery (Emerging Evidence)

• Accelerated recovery following high-intensity exercise

• Reduced muscle soreness and improved perceived recovery

• Enhanced sleep quality in athletes

• Maintained range of motion and reduced pain

Mechanisms of Action

While research continues to elucidate the precise mechanisms, evidence points to multiple pathways:

1. Parasympathetic nervous system activation: Measurable decreases in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate

2. Neuroendocrine modulation: Reduced cortisol and noradrenaline metabolites

3. Altered functional connectivity: Decreased connection between pain processing and emotional centers in the brain

4. Enhanced interoceptive awareness: Improved ability to perceive internal bodily states

5. Meditation-like state induction: Deep relaxation achieved without training

6. Possible transdermal magnesium absorption: Potential benefits from Epsom salt

Safety Profile

Systematic reviews and clinical trials consistently report:

• No serious adverse events

• Excellent safety profile across diverse patient populations

• Minimal contraindications (epilepsy, kidney disease, severe mental illness requiring stabilization)

• High tolerability, even among patients with anxiety about enclosed spaces

Introducing Float Therapy to Your Patients

Sample Patient Introduction

"I'd like to discuss a complementary treatment option that has strong research support for [chronic pain/anxiety/stress]. It's called float therapy or Floatation-REST. Here's how it works:

You'll lie back in a specialized tank filled with water that's saturated with Epsom salt—so saturated that you float effortlessly, like you're weightless. The water is heated to your skin temperature, and the environment is quiet and dark. You're in control the entire time; you can open the tank whenever you want, and there's a button to turn on lights if needed.

Most sessions last about an hour. What happens is that without all the usual sensory input—no sights, sounds, touch sensations, or even gravity pulling on your muscles—your nervous system can deeply relax in a way that's difficult to achieve otherwise. It's like hitting a reset button.

Research shows this can significantly reduce [pain levels/anxiety symptoms/stress hormones]. Many patients notice improvements after just one session, and the benefits tend to increase with regular use. The best part is that it's completely safe and non-invasive, with virtually no side effects.

We have a local facility, Kairos Float & Wellness Studio here in Greenville, that specializes in this therapy. They work with healthcare providers and can coordinate your care. Would you be open to trying a session?"

When to Consider Float Therapy

Ideal candidates include patients with:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain not adequately controlled with current interventions

• Anxiety disorders seeking non-pharmacological options

• PTSD, particularly in veterans or first responders

• Stress-related conditions and burnout

• Fibromyalgia and widespread pain syndromes

• Sleep disturbances related to pain or anxiety

• Athletic populations seeking optimized recovery

• Patients concerned about medication side effects or seeking to reduce pharmaceutical burden

Clinical Integration

Float therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan:

• Complementary to existing treatments: Most research participants continued their regular medications and therapies

• Typical protocol: 12 sessions over 6-7 weeks (twice weekly) for chronic conditions; single sessions may benefit acute stress or anxiety

• Maintenance: Many patients benefit from ongoing sessions (weekly to monthly) for sustained relief

The Future of Float Therapy in Medicine

The Float Therapy Medicine Institute is working toward:

1. Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs for healthcare providers

2. Research partnerships with medical institutions

3. Insurance coverage advocacy based on evidence standards

4. Clinical pathway development for standardized integration

5. Physician training programs in float therapy prescription and monitoring

Resources for Healthcare Practitioners

The Institute provides:

• Comprehensive research databases and literature reviews

• Patient education materials

• Referral protocols and clinical documentation tools

• Consultation services for implementing float therapy programs

• Networking with other healthcare providers using Floatation-REST

Conclusion

Float therapy represents a rare convergence: a therapy with decades of research support, an excellent safety profile, and meaningful clinical outcomes—yet remains largely unknown in mainstream medical practice. As healthcare providers, we have an obligation to inform our patients about evidence-based treatment options, particularly those that offer relief without the risks associated with long-term pharmaceutical use.

The Float Therapy Medicine Institute invites you to explore this research, consider float therapy for appropriate patients, and join us in bringing this effective, safe treatment into standard clinical practice.

Getting Started

For more information:

• Visit our website: www.floatmedicineinstitute.org

• Local facility: Kairos Float & Wellness Studio, Greenville, NC | www.kairosfloats.com

• Research inquiries: Contact Dr. Rebecca N. Harris

• Patient referrals: Available through Kairos Float & Wellness Studio

Key Research Resources:

• Feinstein et al.: Studies on anxiety and PTSD at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research

• Bood et al.: Swedish research on stress-related pain and burnout

• Fibromyalgia Flotation Project: International multi-center research

• JAMA Network Open (2021): Recent RCT on chronic pain

The Float Therapy Medicine Institute is dedicated to accelerating the integration of evidence-based float therapy into mainstream medical practice through physician education, research facilitation, and institutional partnerships.